New York City Beaches Open Amid Lifeguard Shortage, More Staff Expected Soon

New York City’s 14 miles of public beaches officially opened on Saturday, marking a significant step toward the city’s summer season kickoff.

With the beaches reopening, lifeguards returned to their posts across the city, from Bronx’s Orchard Beach to Rockaway Beach in Queens.

Shortly after 10 a.m., lifeguards were already active at Coney Island, responding swiftly to ensure beachgoers’ safety.

One lifeguard noted, “We already have someone stationed on the jetty,” before heading out to patrol the rocky areas, whistles signaling their presence.

As of Saturday, the city had 280 certified lifeguards available, according to the Parks and Recreation Department. While this figure falls short of the full staffing needs for beaches and pools, it represents an increase of 50 lifeguards compared to last Memorial Day weekend. This improvement offers cautious optimism amid a persistent multi-year lifeguard shortage affecting municipal park systems nationwide.

Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue expressed expectations that lifeguard staffing will expand in the coming weeks as students complete their academic year and the summer season intensifies. Currently, 374 new lifeguards are undergoing training, with returning staff anticipated to rejoin before the busiest summer period. Last year, the city certified over 900 lifeguards by the Fourth of July weekend, a substantial increase from the 230 certified at the season’s start.